Hi LEA fam!
We blinked, and October is nearly over. This month has been filled with parties, pumpkin patches, last-minute cross-country travel, and of course, Halloween prep. It also naturally sparked numerous conversations about safely enjoying holiday foods and how to balance “treats” with health. More on that below.
HALLOWEEN FOR LITTLE EATERS
Halloween brings plenty of excitement, but it can feel tricky (no pun intended) trying to navigate this time safely and stress-free, especially with babies and toddlers. Here are some quick, age-based tips to keep things fun and simple.
👶 Under age 1:
At this age, there’s really no need to incorporate any form of candy as baby has not developed the skills to chew many common Halloween treats. Be sure to avoid honey, gummies, marshmallows, gum, sucking candies, whole or chopped nuts, and any hard or sticky candies or chocolates. Other options that can still be celebratory include the occasional pouch (see note below), yogurt melts, or fruit like clementine “pumpkins.”
👧 1–2 years:
Chewing skills are still developing, so continue avoiding choking hazards like gum, whole nuts, marshmallows, popcorn, and hard candies. Depending on your child’s comfort with solids, you can start to explore more options like mini cupcakes, cookies, or soft chocolates like peanut butter cups.
🤸♀️ 2 years+:
Now’s when the candy rush may kick in. Instead of restricting sweets (which often backfires), go in with a plan. Supervise, encourage sitting to enjoy a few pieces mindfully, and talk about listening to our bodies (noticing when their tummies feel full). For some kids, it helps to agree on an amount to enjoy now, with the rest saved for later or shared with others.
✨ More Tips (For Older Kids Too):
Make the holiday about more than just candy. Enjoy the decorations, costumes, and activities like nightly “skeleton walks” to see neighborhood displays.
Serve a balanced meal before parties or trick-or-treating so kids aren’t running on sugar alone. (I’ve recently been into making chili because it’s a one-pot meal, done in an hour, that everyone can enjoy.)
Protein, fat, and fiber all on one plate.
Try fun, healthier options like banana ghosts, pumpkin-shaped quesadillas, jack-o-lantern bell pepper pumpkins, or avocado chocolate pudding dirt cups.
Encourage movement: walk, scooter, or bike together.
And remember, try not to stress about the sugar. A day or two of treats helps build connection, fun, and positive food memories— it won’t undo good habits that are already instilled.
PRODUCT RECS
A few of our favorite Halloween-approved snacks and brands:
GoGo Squeeze – I’m not the biggest fan of pouches because they don’t teach chewing skills and are often gone in a few quick slurps. BUT in certain situations, like parties, they work, and most little ones love them. Just avoid offering them regularly and reserve for on-the-go moments.
Annie’s Bunnies – a nostalgic favorite with slightly cleaner ingredients. Let’s be clear, they are a mostly refined-carbohydrate snack with little fiber or protein, but they still certainly have far less added sugar than traditional candy and are easy for younger eaters to munch on.
Hippeas – crunchy, plant-based chickpea puffs. These are a top pick in our house.
Unreal Chocolates – better-for-you candy with less sugar and no artificial dyes (a parent favorite too).
YumEarth Lollipops – allergen-free, dye-free, and no artificial flavors. I like these because they are flat (not round), so the choking risk may be slightly reduced. Just make sure your little eater is focused and paying attention when sucking on lollipops.
Simple Mills Sandwich Cookies – basically a healthier Oreo. And a fun way to keep cashew exposure in the mix.
Sweet Lorens - think of these as an allergy-friendly slice-and-bake option that’s free from added dyes/colors. They come in tons of flavors, too.
FOOD FOCUS
Butternut squash is fall’s ultimate comfort food. It’s rich in vitamin A, fiber, and natural sweetness that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy. It’s also versatile and easy to prepare across all ages.
How to Serve by Age/Stage
6–9 months: Mashed butternut squash on a spoon/tray or served as large, soft half-moon pieces that baby can grab easily and gum.
9–12 months: Any of the above options as well as small, soft cubes.
12 months+: Any way they like it. 😋
📸 See visuals of each stage on our Instagram.
Squash Inspo:
Air-fried or roasted crinkle “fries” + ketchup
Spread on toast with a thin layer of nut/seed butter
Roasted and mixed into warm rice, farro, or bean dishes
Added into mac n’ cheese 🧀
WHAT’S HAPPENING @ LEA
Local to LA or know someone who is? Join us for our next Intro to Solids class at The Pump Station in Santa Monica on November 7th. We’ll cover how to confidently start solids, navigate textures, and build positive feeding habits from the start.
Little Eaters Academy is now seeing children 18 months and up! We’re excited to expand our services to families with eaters of all ages. Whether you’re tackling selective eating, growth concerns, or family nutrition, we’re here to help.
